What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a type of affective disorder that involves unusual shifts in mood
state, energy level and behavior. These dramatic fluctuations may alternate between
depression, normal mood, and elation and/or irritability. There are different types
of Bipolar Disorder, depending on the frequency and duration of the manic or depressive
episodes.

What is mania?

Mania is a mood state in which the individual diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder displays
particular behaviors, which may include the following symptoms:

During a manic episode, an individual may experience symptoms of psychosis, such as
hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things that do not exist), or delusions (persistent,
false beliefs such as being convinced that he or she has magical powers or is the
leader of a country).

What happens when you are not manic?

When someone comes down from their mania they may become extremely depressed. Often,
while the person was in their manic episode, they may have spent all their money (credit
cards, checking accounts, savings accounts), they may have ruined interpersonal relationships,
or have other negative effects to confront. Individuals with Bipolar Disorder usually
follow a manic episode with a depression, which may include the following symptoms:

• Feeling down or depressed much of the day • Anhedonia (lack of interest in activities which they previously found pleasurable)
• Social withdrawal • Loss of appetite, overeating • Excessive sleeping, feeling fatigued throughout the day • Insomnia or early morning awakening • Loss of sexual desire • Suicidal ideation (thoughts of death or suicide) • Feelings of hopelessness, and worthlessness • Guilt over feeling depressed • Sadness over the end of a manic episode (sometimes individuals are excessively
productive in certain areas when they are manic) • Physical complaints or other unexplained pain/discomfort

Is there anything to treat Bipolar Disorder?

Yes. The WKU Counseling and Testing Center provides professional, confidential counseling
and assessment. We can also help with referrals for off-campus treatment. The Counseling
Center can be reached at 745-3159.

Bipolar disorder is a life long disorder. Fortunately, effective treatment can help
the individual with Bipolar Disorder live a healthy and productive life. Treatment
may include a combination of "talk" psychotherapy (or other models of therapy) and
medications to stabilize mood.